My Childhood Dream-

Here comes the secret story which I dun usually tell people about. It's the story of a childhood dream. It took place a long time ago, probably 10years back. It was my 1st time visit to this place, where all the officer will train and graduate from. I'll never forget my 1st impression of the place. It was so grand looking. Everything about is so nice and beautiful. I wonder why am I coming to such a place.

My mum told me that we were going to attend a very important parade, my brother's commissioning parade. "My brother is going to become an officer. What's that? Sounds like it's gonna be some big thing." I thought to myself.

Later on, I saw my brother in his smartest uniform marching in the parade square with the others who were also going to become officers. Awesome was the word. Even at the young age of about 11 (i think) I was so inspired and I felt so proud for all of the men in white, standing smartly in the parade square. I went home that day realising that I had a new dream: To be able to wear that uniform, stand on that parade square and join them as officers.

The problem is, I had to keep that dream to myself. If people heard about it, it'll become a total joke. I was one of the shortest in class, one of the few who were chosen to be in the famous losing weight club, can't play sports, can't study, a little on the anti social side. How to become officer? I'm not even on par with my friends in school, less those men who stood with my brother at the parade square.

Soon the dream faded away. I knew my weakness more than anybody and I didn't dream of becoming anyone anymore. I'll just be realistic and hide behind the crowd.

Like all wise men says, God'll find a way in your life. Even when you've forgotten the prayers or wishes you made to Him years ago, He'll still remember. Somehow along the way, He gave me a chance to nurture my public speaking and leadership through His church. Just a year before I came into army, there was this source of unknown energy and determination to be really disciplined in losing weight and building up on my fitness. That never happened to me in my life before. By the time I entered the army, I was atleast able to lead alittle, run alittle, but I still lacked something.

I still don't believe that I can enter the officer school and I still do not see that I could become one. There was also no purpose in becoming one other than self achievement.

One fine day during my days as a recruit, I saw my platoon mate crying. I went to talk to him and realised that he was sad because he was lonely. He was the most unfit guy, the fattest, he felt the ugliest. It was true that not many people in my platoon treated him like a real friend and a man. Many were out to laugh at him, some hang around him so that they could play his psp or borrow his large collection of comics. He actually also kena guard duty on his very own birthday. It was important to him as his parents and cousins, who were the only ones close to him in this world is celebrating his birthday with him. If he can't even celebrate with them, he might as well die.

Suddenly there was a rage in my heart. I disliked how my platoon mates treated him. I want to have the power to change them. There was also sorrow in my heart. I know how he felt because i used to feel lousy just like him. There was also a rising responsibility in my heart. I want to have the power to take care of people like him in the army. I want to have the power to help people him.

That day, I promised him i'll take his guard duty, and I told God, I must become a commissioned officer.

Being sent to the officer course caught me by surprise. Enduring through the crazy training caught me by surprise too. There were many things that I was not good at. Many things demanded more than all that's in me. I broke down many times. I cried even. Life's never been so harsh, reality has never smacked me so hard. But God has never been more real in my life than He actually did during the 9months. Without Him I can't imagine what would have happened to me.
Thanks to Him, 9th June will be the day I'll always remember. It's the day I commission.

"Thank you Lord, for allowing the chance to live my impossible childhood dream, for giving me the power to help others, and the chance to honour my parents and make them feel proud of their second son.

I don't know what's installed for me ahead. But I will lead Your people. Please lead me too." In Jesus's Name, Amen.